Music Review: "Falling in Love," with 2NE1

After a year's absence, which in Kpop terms, might as well be a LIFETIME, top tier girlgroup 2NE1, made their comeback July 7th, with the first of a series of singles, entitled "Falling in Love." 

Thus far, the single has been well received as it has topped various charts internationally as well as dominate domestically with an "all-kill"mere hours after its release.

As I may have mentioned before, achieving an "all-kill," which is earning the number one spot on all the real time charts in Korea simultaneously, is a feat most, if not all major acts in Kpop can do, especially if there's been a period of silence for a significant amount of time. So I feel one can possibly measure the strength of the single by how long it remains at the #1 spot. Unfortunately 2NE1 was ousted from the top spot on several charts just 2 or 3 days (depending on where you live) after the release of their single.

"Falling in Love" was supposed to be released last year as a follow up to "I Love You." It was never meant to be a stand alone, headliner single. And after listening to it, you can see why it wasn't. We've heard the group try their hand at reggae before so it's nothing new or groundbreaking for them. Lyrically, I found the song to be a bit gushy for 2NE1, aside from CL's rap, which in my opinion saved the song from being completely flat. One of the most notable lines was definitely, "Yeah, in the club it's getting ugly. I don't care. Can't nobody stop the fire. Let them haters sit n stare."

I don't know if earlier 2NE1 videos broke YG's bank or if they were just being cheap this time around, but this has be one of the most low budget and unpolished music video they've had thus far. I mean, they couldn't  go to an actual BEACH to film the BEACH SCENE? I'm not saying they should have flown the girls to Jamaica to fit the Caribbean theme, but last time I checked, Korea has beautiful beaches with crystal clear water that would have worked just as well. Instead we ended up a cheesy backdrop and some sand.

As for the girls' styling, they were all, for the most part, gorgeous in their individual selcas and scenes. This is where most of the hints of luxury can be found that we normally associate with 2NE1. I especially adore Bom's and CL's outfits.(Note: If someone knows where I can find Bom's white dress or the closes replica of it, TELL ME!) Is it me or is CL lookin' really pretty these days? Her outfits, hair, makeup, and accessories have all been on point. It's true that sometimes people have to grow into their beauty. I'm not super crazy about Dara's dye job. It makes her look washed out. I think CL pulls it off better. Furthermore, with the exception of her white dress, why do they insist on dressing Dara like she's twelve when she's pushing THIRTY?! I thought they were on the road to giving her a more mature look like in the "I Love You" video, but I guess not. She's supposed to be the "beauty of the bunch" but I find myself often liking her looks the least. Finally, Minzy's bubblegum pink wig actually look great on her. I'm pretty sure we all could name a celeb that probably should have left that wig right where they found it.

The less flattering attire is seen mostly in the group shots and when the girls are dancing together. Seriously, their clothes look like someone made a quick run to Target or Forever 21 and grabbed whatever they could.

All in all, this song just wasn't strong enough to be the lead single for a comeback, especially when they've been away for a year and anticipation is high. They really needed something that was going to hook people immediately and make them fall in love again. Fans, including myself were really hoping to be blown away, but instead we got mediocrity. Competition is stiff and the popularity of smaller company girlgroups' like SISTAR, 4minute, T-ara, and Girls' Day are steady on the rise. Their combacks and concepts are solid and consistent. We know 2NE1 is capable of this as well because they've done it in the past. Hopefully there are really other singles to come and redemption is on the horizon.

Music Review: Baddest Female

The self-proclaimed "Baddest Female in Korea," and leader of popular kpop group 2NE1, Lee Chae Rin (CL), 22, has made her solo debut with single entitled, (take a wild guess) Baddest Female!

CL is the third member of the group to release solo material. After the success of Dara and Bom, needless to say anticipation was high to see what the fearless leader had up her sleeves.

The single Baddest Female, has been warmly received thus far, as it topped all of Korea's real time music charts. This isn't much of a surprise since it's an achievable feat by most of the major acts from "The Big 3" companies, regardless if the song is actually "good' or not. So without further ado, let's take a look at the Baddest Female.

                                       

This was definitely not what I was expecting. I knew the song would be somewhere in the realm of hip hop, but a full-on attempt at a gangster rap song and video to match was a sideswipe, and borderline cheese fest. The overall feel and flow reeks of Nicki Minaj and lots of "American" elements, causing it to lack in originality.

SONG AND  LYRICS

Lyrically, it's your standard run of the mill female rap song about self pride, having looks that could kill, and of course, being a bad girl, with lots of repetition. The most awkward point in the song was the explanation of what she meant by "bad." Honestly, who thought she bad by being a criminal or something? In its entirety, the lyrics lacked and left you wanting something a bit more. I found this disappointing because in an interview earlier in the year, CL had stated it was important for her to release solo music and she has "so much she wants to say." She also wanted it to be just about her apart from fellow group members. So I was expecting a song that would tell more about who CL, the individual, was as a person and artist. I also would have liked to hear some vocals on track, because it would have shown her versatility as both a singer and rapper.

As for the music, it was a pretty decent hip hop beat you could bop to. However, the dubstep/reggae beat towards the end of the song was cringe worthy and kind of ruined it for me.

VIDEO AND STYLING

In standard YG fashion, the video's production quality is high and luxury is present throughout. The aim was to entertain and be visually pleasing.

Whether or not you liked the song, you'd have to admit CL is absolutely gorgeous in the video. I think this is the most attractive she's looked thus far. Her hair and makeup is flawless, and her outfits are sexy and chic, with a bit of a playful side. I especially love the first dance sequence outfit as well as the one worn in the final segment of the video.

What threw things off were the parts with the over the top gangster look, complete with a gold grill, saggy pants, over-sized jewelry, fake tattoos, and headbands. It came off as "wannabe" and made it seem like she's trying too hard to be street. I much rather have CL as a seductive diva than as a rachet hoodrat.

CONCLUSION

I find that I keep saying the same thing with much of the 2NE1 releases as of late: all flash with little substance. You always find yourself thoroughly entertained with their visual concepts but feel like something is missing from the song itself. I was really hoping things would be different with CL and she would raise the bar. I guess we'll have to see what the group as a whole will have to offer when they return in near future.

Song: 2.5 out of 5

Overall: 3 out of 5